This archive report was first published on 30 June 2021.
On June 30, 2021, the world celebrated the power of emotional intelligence in leadership, a trait that has been gaining appreciation in today's corporate world.
When Oprah Winfrey began her career as a TV anchor in 1976, no one would have predicted that she would become an international icon. Despite facing numerous challenges, including being demoted to a writing and reporting position, Oprah harnessed her empathetic nature to create one of the most successful TV shows of all time.
According to Daniel Goleman, who popularized the term emotional intelligence in 1995, it is the ability to monitor one's own and others' feelings and emotions and to use the information to guide one's thinking and actions. Goleman challenged the long-held belief that Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was central to success, stating that while intellect and rationality matter as 'entry-level requirements for executives', it takes emotional intelligence to navigate relationships for true success in all areas of life.
Experts say that people who excel in self-awareness, motivation to rationally look at a problem and find a solution, and the ability to develop social skills tend to outperform their less emotionally intelligent peers. A study from the Centre for Creative Leadership (CCL) in the US found that poor interpersonal relations and inability to work as a team were two main reasons for executive derailment.
While anyone can harness and enhance their emotional intelligence, women are naturally more attuned to other people's feelings and emotions. In a study on emotional intelligence by Korn Ferry Hay Group in 2016, researchers observed 55,000 professionals in 90 countries and found that women received better ratings on all competencies except emotional self-control, where no gender difference was found.
With women being on the rise in decision-making roles, female leaders need to harness and have confidence in their emotional intelligence skills for the betterment of their workplaces and the world beyond. One survey found that female leaders are more likely to use transformational and relational leadership styles, which rely heavily on emotional intelligence.
Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's Chief Operating Officer, has also had a unique impact in her role thanks to leaning into her emotional intelligence. After losing her husband unexpectedly in 2015, she harnessed her grief to extend the company's bereavement and give employees more time to care for sick family members.
Former US first lady, Michelle Obama, is also a powerful case study in emotional intelligence. Her communication skills, relatability, ability to inspire, and community activism are in line with transformational and relational leadership styles, which rely heavily on emotional intelligence.
